With Miami’s Jake Long out, Aldon Smith will face a ‘serviceable’ tackle

The Dolphins placed four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jake Long on season-ending injured reserve Tuesday after he sustained a torn triceps in last week’s loss to the Patriots. In his absence, rookie right tackle Jonathan Martin will slide over to protect the blind spot of Tannehill, Miami’s rookie quarterback, on Sunday when the 49ers host the Dolphins

Martin will be charged with handling outside linebacker Aldon Smith, who leads the NFL with 17 ½ sacks. Today, Justin Smith suggested the second-round pick will have help Sunday as the 49ers defensive tackle delivered a lukewarm scouting report on Miami’s second-round pick from Stanford.

“He’s a serviceable tackle in this league,” Smith said. “It’s definitely not Long in there. But there’s things you can do. You can chip. You can slide the line. You can do some more bootlegs, which is a big part of their offensive as well, to help him out. We kind of anticipate all those type of deals going on.”

Long played just 11 snaps last week before Martin took over. He allowed a sack and four quarterback hurries in a 23-16 loss to New England. Of the 69 NFL tackles who have played at least 300 snaps, Martin ranks 63rd, according to Pro Football Focus’ grading system.

Dolphins coach Joe Philbin gave a more glowing assessment than Smith today when asked about Martin, who started the first 12 games at right tackle.

“I think his poise, his professionalism — this guy hasn’t batted an eye,” Philbin said. “He’s walked in here and been a starter since the day he got here basically. And he just keeps working. He doesn’t say a whole lot. He just works. He’s diligent … We really like what he’s done so far. He’s certainly got a long way to go, but his pro career is off to a good start.”